The Last Sub-$40k Muscle Car: 2023 Chevy Camaro LT1 Review 

Be sure to watch till the very end for a fun throwback :)

I have a 21 LT1 and I can’t say enough good things about this vehicle. It is surprisingly comfortable as a daily driver. More than enough power output. It’s unfortunate GM is discontinuing this legendary name plate. Glad I got mine when I did.

Glad to see a review of the Camaro. Such an underrated, almost forgotten car. People are dropping $50k for a Civic Type R and yet they are willing to overlook this V8 powered beast. I wish GM was willing to give it a refresh. Doesn't need a new chassis - even as a 7 year old platform, it's still one of the best in the industry. Just update the interior a little bit, make it mildly more practical. It's frustrating how close this car is to being a perfect sportscar.

I loved the throw back at the end. I remember when you had a compilation of your acceleration reactions. I enjoyed watching those because they were always so genuine and exciting.

I give you credit for being a Mustang owner and being able to give a glowing review of a Camaro haha

*That send-off. Felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. R.I.P. Camaro* 🫡

I love how you get almost childlike (trying to not smile out of excitement) right before flooring it, anticipating the raw muscle car exhaust sound…you truly enjoy what you do and it just makes your videos way more fun to watch than other regular joes who don’t have you enthusiasm and love for cars. Keep it up and thank you for what you do.

Is it weird I like the LT1’s front bumper over the SS’?

I have an LT1. Absolutely love it and recommend it to anyone!

These have been surprisingly hard to get. I live in flyover country, but have had a 2023 LT1 on order since last December. Finally got picked up and built in late June. Currently waiting on transportation from Lansing. I picked the LT1 trim level b/c I wanted a V8 muscle car daily driver with a manual transmission and wanted to keep it under 40k. I also like the sleeper look. Thank you for giving this platform one more look before it's gone!

Just got my 2023 2SS a week ago. I absolutely love it, thanks for reviewing this car, I remember we spoke about it on one of your live streams.

LOVE the stripped down look. I prefer it, actually.

As always a well-done and comprehensive review. I'm glad you revisited the Camaro before it's 2024 production end. The LT1 V8 Gen 6 Alpha platform Camaro has a muscle car engine however unlike the Challenger and the Mustang (I'm a fan of all 3) it's a sports car.

I loved the 6th gen Camaro, and my LT1 is my second one after my V6 1LE. Similar spec to this one: Bose audio, quad valved exhaust and black wheels that I bought for 38K out the door. Few things: A.) If you do any sporty driving at all, much less track driving, the missing coolers really make themselves apparent. I’m currently in the process of adding an aftermarket transmission cooler as well as an upgraded radiator. The latter isn’t *really* needed, but better to be safe than sorry. B.) If you buy the manual do yourself a favor and get yourself the hurst short throw shifter. Better shifter knob as well as 40% shorter throws, and it feels factory. No weird noises or clunky feel. It’s very easy to get used to. PIA to install though. C.) LT1s respond extremely well to mods and especially ethanol. FBO LT1s typically make more than 500 hp to the crank. Even the 4 cylinder has great tuning potential. D.) If you decide to get wheels from GM, get the forged ones. Their unsprung weight savings are great

YES!!! I was hoping you’ll do a LT1 review! Especially cause I’m a big camaro fan. My first car was a 1995 3.4L in white. Had it for my HS Senior year. It was project far with my dad and that’s how I learned a few things little things on cars. First car I bought at a dealership was a 2014 Camaro RS in Red (back in 2018). Traded it in 8 months later for a 2019 Camaro 2SS color black (10Speed). Car got Total Loss (RIP). Had that one for 1yr and 1/2. Now, I’m driving a 2011 Camaro 2SS in gray (Auto). Had it for like 2yrs and a few months. NOW, I’m thinking about getting my dream Camaro. A 5th Gen Camaro ZL1. What made me get that one is the design itself AND Your reaction to it. Your review is what sold me. Hopefully you read my comment 😅 Greetings from McAllen, TX!!!

I'd love to see this applied to more cars: good stereo, good engine, other good parts as available, nothing else. Crazy to think about a modern German car being built that way. A modern 3-series that feels like a 90's one in weight. That'd be neat.

@MattMaranMotoring, Appreciate this send off! The integration of past Camaro videos was a nice touch as well. As a lifetime Camaro owner and enthusiast, I appreciate the love and respect you’ve shown the Camaro, despite being a “Mustang guy”.. Next, as a 6th Gen SS 1LE owner, I believe GM created arguably the greatest naturally aspirated Camaro in history-without knowing it. The alpha chassis is a work of art. The 1LE package transformed the 6th Gen into a legitimate sports car, that performs with vehicles 2-3 times its monetary value. Although this car wasn’t the biggest hit according to sales, it is an amazing machine (especially in SS 1LE form) that makes me grateful we at least could experience a “Camaro and Sports car” in the same sentence.. 👍

I’ve owned my Camaro SS for three years. While it does lack the storage space, I’ve being daily driving it for two years and the visibility isn’t a issue for me. Its fun to drive and I’m sad to see the camaro go

Driving dynamics were great on this car. I’ve had many Mustangs and I had my first Camaro a 22’ LT1 for a little less than 2 years. Handling was great and price was perfect for what you get. I got more for it than what I owed when I sold it so they will hold good value also. If money and practicality wasn’t an issue I would have kept it. Super fun and great looking, sounding and handling car. Can’t go wrong with one of these.

Matt, enjoyed the throwback at the end, and I like the video montage you did near the end of all the Camaros you reviewed over the years. I remember those old reviews, you had a relationship with that Chevy dealer near you and they were really cool with you reviewing their cars. I am more of a Mustang and Challenger fan, but I agree it is always sad to see a American Muscle car die and go away. I remember in fall of 2015 when the 2016 6th Generation Camaro showed up, I really liked it, I thought it had a real cool look, and the interior was much improved, and I did test drive one, but that car was very difficult on a test drive to feel safe merging onto the highway. I didn't like the lack of vision. My friend had one, had bad accident due to visibility, so he went Mustang. The Camaro was the true "sports car" out of the three American muscle cars, it really was a junior Corvette in many ways. I will say this I feel GM really wanted the Camaro to die when in the fall of 2018, they showed the mid cycle refresh for the 2019 model year, and I will just be honest, it looked horrible. I mean Really bad and they really should have just kept it how it was. I feel that midcycle refresh was the additional death nail. This LT1 trim, was a neat package thanks for sharing it, and reviewing it. Sad to see Camaro die, and sad it will be coming back as a suv probably. I really wish American's would start buying cars again.

Almost leased an LT1 back in 2020 when Chevy had a lease deal for $2500 due and $365 a month. Could have drove one for 3 years for about $16k. Felt like a solid deal.

LOVE the stripped down look.

I paid an extra $2,000 above MSRP for my 22 LT1. Seeing your review makes me more happy I did it. I'll be very sad when I see news about the last one rolling off the line. Maybe GM will surprise you and give you a 2024 Collector's Edition to review 😊

I owned one of these for 6 months last year. Really fun car the money. The only thing I don't like is it had bad wind buffeting with both windows all the way down. great review matt!

I love my 2022 LT1, I ordered mine with the technology package and exhaust. I waited almost 7 months to get it but well worth it ! I love the car, has been on the Hot Rod power tour and getting ready for another. . Its a fun car to drive. Im a bigger guy at 6'5 and have no issues with comfort. I did put 2022 ZL1 tires and wheels on it though to give it a better look

GLAD to get a review fo r you, Matt. W a here have u been?

This is a lot of car for the money! I also really like how understated it is for a Camaro. Seems like a great platform to build something greater if you want more down the road.

I really hope you can do more used cars from Harrison auto sales that's how I discovered you 7 years ago and subscribe to you ever since

Great review

I like it. It reminds me of Rockfords Firebird (aging myself there) - a plane jane base car with a V8.

Im also 5'9 and Ive had a camaro for 3 years. 2016 model. 0 issues with visibility. Just adjust mirror correctly and youre good.

I’d take this one every day over the SS. Looks cleaner without the wing. Just looks better. Maybe put some aftermarket rims on it and done.

Just picked one these LT1's up. Only 2 options: Radiant red, and NPP exhaust. Took 4 months from order to delivery. Best value ever! 2023 was the one to get as Chevy raised the price for the 2024 by about $4k or more on all the trims.

Holy crap you did not age a bit bro i always wondered what happened to this channel I searched up SubaruWRXfan OG 💯💯

You had a similar reaction in your first drive of a Boss 302. That in part, led me to buying my 2012 Boss! Horsepower is FUN!!!!

*Weird how the front bumper doesn't seem to match the quarter panels.* Thought it was the lighting but it's all angles.

I was really expecting it to blow those all season 245’s off. I’m shocked how well it put the power down.

I got into cars around 2014/2015 and have been spoiled. The new-age horsepower wars were in full swing. I saw the s550 Mustang, the GT350, the Hellcat, and so many more. I've never owned a Camaro but I am sad to see it go. It feels like the end of an era

I have an lt1 2021 best car ever, very powerful v8 22 mpg combine, light weight car. I upgraded rims, exhaust, and spoiler so I’m driving a camaro SS for 34000. Highly recommended.

I love mine. Faster than an SS due to its weight. Such a sleeper.

I've had 2 gen 6 V8 Camaro's, (they don't call them SS in Europe because the Germans don't like it so it's called the V8) ... one Auto and one Manual transmission and I have to say that I think they are the most underrated car ever. They are a great car to drive and the reliability has been perfect, the only slight downside is there is a bit too much plastic on show inside but apart from that it's a fantastic car... IMO.. it's a tragedy that they will be no more after 2024.

I own a 2020 Mustang GT 5.0, same reason as you mentioned just better livability, and I love the Coyote. But I owned a 2010 Camaro SS when it first came back and that car was my favorite car I loved that car the minute I drove it off the lot. I will own a 6th gen at some point sad to see it go.

Love the clean look

You can just tell from the video how powerful this V8 is. feels brutal.

Wow I can’t believe they will be gone

Chevy lists the LT1 at 3619 lbs The only problems are finding one under $40k, and the LT1 needs proper Recaros, that match the exterior color

Does sound pretty dang good!!

I wouldn't mind having one of these LT1's s a daily driver. I used to have a 2022 1SS 1LE 6MT before I got my GT500 and I loved the power/sound of the LT1 engine. Only problem these days is most dealers are asking over new sticker for used ones (both LT1 and SS trim) and I'm just not going to pay those prices. This one is a great example at about $1500 over new sticker. I don't have to have it it'd just be nice is all.

Been waiting for this review since the lt1 came out and in my favorite color of it to lol

I’m sad the Camaro is going away. Loved my moms 18’ SS 1LE and the ZL1 still one of my favorite front ends. Great review as always Matt!!

I have a 21 LT1 convertible. Amazing car that’s relatively cheap.

I was interested in a 2024 V6 coupe manual 3LT with the Nitro Metallic Yellow, NPP, Recaro, and no RS package (want the 18" wheels and no spoiler) even with the price jump. Tried three local dealers. One refused to take the order at all. One took the order and sent it but warned me the chances of GM accepting the order and Lansing making it are very very slim. The third one took my order but warned me that they probably won't send the order in as they only want V8s and Collector's Editions.

Seems like a decent value for what you get. 😎

Watching this video makes me appreciate my car more😭

8 months ago lt1 was 34k flat starting at…god I need to get 1 soon

I have a buddy of mine who has a 2022 in dark red. He ordered it and it took 7 months to show up.

I want one so bad. My whole family is pro Chevy so I think it’s my time now lol.

A perfect canvas for a custom build. If only I could afford it...

I’ve owned a 22 lt1 for 11 months wanted a SS but they were hard to find last year. I didn’t pay over sticker like they wanted. It’s an awesome car for the money it’s has all the options except the tech package so it has the bad stereo other than. That it’s awesome the visibility is annoying but. U get used to it quick.

For the low 40’s it can’t be beat. Especially with a NA V8. Although personally I’d get the mustangs just like you

Didn’t have to make it worse…just had to make the greenhouse a little taller so regular 6 footers could fit more comfortably. Will be taking a look at one probably for the last time since it’s being discontinued. Will also look at the new mustang and see what the new one is all about.

I'm glad you mentioned the 5.0's lack of torque down low. I had a 2015 PP GT and it felt pretty slow until you revved it out.

I don’t get why these didn’t sell

I would watch when he first reviewed the 2016 camaro ss like everyday in hs… ff and I’m 23 now with a ss 1le😵‍💫

SS Grill looks good. LT1 and V6 looks like a Jack-o-lantern.

The secretary special!

Love this car❤

I love this car

Harrison wants over $41k for this used model with 6k miles when you quoted about $39k MSRP for one similarly equipped.

I just love this platform, Matt, but isn't the future extinction of this car going to be based on the room in the cabin and the visibility?? It sure won't be the Transmission or the Engine..... The drive train is amazing for low end torque! 😊👍

I ended up going with the Mustang purely because of visibility of the camaro. Even though I did think the camaro seemed a little faster. I just felt like I was driving a tank.

4 years ago could pick up brand new loaded 2ss 1le for 45k :(

I personally like the look of Mustangs better but this color is great!

People at the Busy Beaver are not happy with the Throaty Exhaust not.

The I only 40 roll Camaro discount option.

I think the LT1 is a good car. True it looks plain but people like me can find that appealing. I have a 2023 base Mustang GT 5.0 6 speed, all black except for the chrome emblems. It looks super sharp and is primarily my interstate cruiser. So plain is not always a negative.

Deal breaker for me. Easy to say the visibility doesn't affect enjoyment when you are just test driving. Definitely not a good daily in my opinion. Sounds way better than a Mustang all day long though. 😉✌️👍

We got my wife a 2020 LT1 when they came out and we loved everything about it except it has one HUGE fault (potentially) You need to make sure you get the upgraded sound system on it, the base system is beyond junk. Even after adding a sub, amp and speaker upgrade it still sucked. If you get an LT1 with the premium sound (whatever package that comes with) then it is the best sports car for the money out there. I had a 17 mustang gt and besides the interior because I had a premium package, the Camaro was way more fun to drive and we loved it besides the base sound system. I think Chevy is stupid for killing the Camaro (again) because honestly it is a fantastic car.

It’s beautiful car

the visibility isnt bad it you know where to look lmao wyd sight seeing? i drive too fast to look around lmao i cant see the road and cars behind/ behind me fine

This is good car for me because I want to buy zl1 1le wing and different wheels and I want to buy zl1 1le front bumper.

I didn't realize how high those window sils are.

have they not figured out to have it able to use your rear view camera while driving? how hard is it?

Visibility is why I had to get blind spot monitoring

Throw some seats in and get some wide wheels and rubber....you got it made.

why doesn't the front of the car paint match the quarter panel and rest of the car?

Camero for the win 🏆

Dude definatly needs to raise his seat up.

If I purchased that, I would feel like I was cheating myself out of something better.

Ever think to move the seat up?

Fulway tires? Are you kidding me? What gear does that version have in it? Seems kinda tall

The 2016-2018 is SO much better looking...

Leave it to Chevy to make a modern LX.

They use to advertised for $32k.

46 k used here in Illinois F that !

Mighty Morphin Pony Racers!

Ok you should have put this up against your bullit, I bet the bullit would beat it....

Too bad it's the end of the road for one of the iconic pony cars. However it had a much longer run than my 2022 Stinger GT.

If you were buying an LT1, would you go with the manual transmission or the automatic?

Its the best generation Camaro in many ways ,they handle great ,and very quick . I had a loaner 2016 SS as a Journalist when new .Even then the $47k sticker ,horrible visibility and miniscule rear seat and trunk were deal breakers for many though .The Challenger and Mustang were more practical and marketed better !